DTF Punjab demands February salaries to be released under e-Signatures
Ferozepur, February 24, 2025 – The salaries of Punjab government employees for February may face delays due to a recent directive from the Finance Department. In a letter issued on February 18 to all District Treasury Officers, the department mandated that employee salaries be processed using the digital signatures of their Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) instead of the existing e-signature system.
The Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) Punjab has raised concerns over this sudden change. DTF Punjab State President Vikramdev Singh, General Secretary Mahinder Kaurianwali, Finance Secretary Ashwani Awasthi, and Ferozepur District President Malkit Singh Haraj stated that while salaries were previously processed through e-signatures, the new directive requires DDOs to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or dongle from Punjab Infotech, a private entity, by submitting an application, necessary documents, and a prescribed fee.
DTF leaders pointed out that acquiring DSCs is a complex and time-consuming process, potentially delaying salaries for thousands of employees across Punjab. They warned that if salaries are not disbursed on time, government employees could resort to protests, and the Punjab government would have to face their widespread resentment.
Strongly criticizing the move, the leaders condemned the privatization aspect, questioning why a private company, Punjab Infotech, has been authorized to issue DSCs instead of a government agency. They demanded that the February salaries be processed under the existing e-signature system and that the Punjab government cover the costs of DSCs through a public-sector entity instead of burdening DDOs.